Self Employed - No Government Help?

michaelgk

can anyone help ? I am not entitled to UC
. I submitted 2 self assessments in 16-17 and 17-18 but then i worked abroad and accountant said i didn't need to submit 18-19 tax return as i was working abroad (paying US tax!) am i eligible for help? as i have 2 self assessments between 2016-2018. its not my fault my vocation took me abroad? i feel like I've been punished for choosing my vocation? how does this not make me feel like a 2nd class citizen!? I've paid tax my whole life but my vocation took me to the high seas! 

Perilium

Hi Michael, I work in customer service and deal with a lot of self employed people. Like you, a customer today explained they were self employed in 2017/18 and 2019/20, but didn't have a tax return to submit for 2018/19. 

Google this: claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme (gov.uk website)

It lists requirements including:
"have submitted your Income Tax Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19"

This indicates you are not eligible, but it clearly isn't fair. This seems like a case for contacting HMRC to clarify this (They are swamped, though).

I am sorry if that is the final answer they give you. The government has admitted that they have had to come up with a system that isn't fair due to the difficulties with providing support to self employed people.

Good luck!

199PMDC

Hi Martin

We are extremely sad about the impact the virus is having on many people.

My Wife operates as an agency worker through her limited company. She does not operate a PAYE scheme and the majority of her renumeration is through dividends. She has submitted accounts for the last three years and paid all her tax. The company’s net profit is around £30,000 per year. My Wife’s work has completely dried up because of the crisis. I’m retired and have a modest pension top-up ISA so we can’t claim Universal Credit.  
As things stand my Wife is not entitled to any financial support and we just can’t afford all our outgoings on my pension alone. 
We have written to our MP and have yet to received a response.
Can you find out if the Government will consider amending their rules to close this gap in the support framework?
Thanks
Paul

garkell1

After some advice. I work through my own limited company as a one man band. The contract i have with my current client has been reduced to one day per week due to covid-19 / lack of work. This guarantee's me more than if i furloughed myself, BUT not enough to pay my bills & committments. Is there anything else i can apply for or do to help me cover the cost of my outgoings? Really worried i am not going to be able to afford to pay things that are essential  :-(

poppy12345

Universal Credit will be your only option but whether you're entitled to anything will depend on your circumstances. Use a benefits calculator to see if you're entitled to anything. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Savings/capital of more than £16,000 will exclude you. If you live with a partner then you claim as a couple.

A claim for UC will end any tax credits you may already be claiming. Council tax reduction can be claimed from your local council.